University of Minnesota

Dairy Initiatives

Dairy

Department of Animal Science


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Can You Afford to Lose Calves?

KEVIN JANNI
Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
University of Minnesota

The answer is absolutely not! Present high cull rates and low reproductive performance in most dairy herds as well as increasing demand for heifers caused by large herd expansions have made heifer prices skyrocket. This is a great opportunity for those who can minimize cull rate, maintain herd reproduction, and successfully raise healthy calves.

Replacement heifers are the future of a successful dairy. Well-planned calf and heifer facilities and excellent management can enhance health and growth and give your calves the start they need to become productive cows.

Facilities need to be economical, environmentally friendly, labor and time efficient, and safe for workers and animals. Good facilities have:

Isolation. Preweaned calves have limited disease resistance. Isolation helps prevent nose-to-nose contact and minimizes calves' exposure to contaminated pen surfaces, manure, and equipment until their immune system develops more fully.

A clean and dry place to lie. A clean, dry, well-bedded place to lie helps minimize manure exposure and chilling.

Plenty of fresh, clean air. Good ventilation minimizes exposure to ammonia and airborne pathogens. It helps cool in hot weather and removes moisture in cold weather.

Freedom from drafts. Drafts are undesirable cooling air movements. Calves and heifers can do very well in cold weather if they can avoid cold drafts.

Easy access to feed and water. Calves need easy access to feed and water in clean equipment for good growth.

Easy access for caregivers. A job is more likely to be done well if it is easy to do. Well-planned facilities make it easy for caregivers to observe, feed, water, add bedding, remove manure, provide health care, clean and sanitize, and keep accurate records. Be sure to include space and equipment for restraining animals safely during treatment.


TYPICAL CALF-RAISING FACILITIES INCLUDE:

  • Hutches
  • Individual pens in cold housing
  • Stalls or pens in warm housing

HEIFER HOUSING OPTIONS INCLUDE:

  • Fenced pastures
  • Mounds in a feedlot
  • Bedded pack
  • Freestalls

D A I R Y    I n i t i a t i v e s    N E W S L E T T E R
Volume 11    Issue 1    Spring 2002